Program Description

General Information
The Legal Studies Institute offers an Online Paralegal Program beginning every trimester. This comprehensive program may be completed in three trimesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students can begin the program at the start of any trimester. After successful completion of the program students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Florida International University. Prospective students must complete an application form and submit it along with two letters of character reference, a resume, and the appropriate fees to FIU Online. Students may apply by completing and submitting the online registration form. Upon receipt of your documentation, you will receive an e-mail confirming admission into the program, followed by additional e-mails providing a registration form, password with access information, and course schedule.

Course Description
The online program includes Introduction to Paralegalism, Basics of the Legal System, Legal Research and Legal Writing. In addition, the program covers seven other legal education subjects that make up the foundation of a solid legal education, and four specialty seminars.

Register Online

Total Program Costs

Training Area: Online Paralegal Program (2011-2012)
Program Offered	Department	Course Length	Tuition Cost	Application Fee	Special Fees	Total Cost
Paralegal Certificate Program	FIU Legal Studies Institute College of Law	606 hours (1 year equals three Trimesters)	$2,000 per Trimester	$25.00	$195 - WestLaw access	$6,220.00 total Tuition

The tuition fee is $2,000 per trimester, which must be paid at time of registration.

The one-time payment of $25 for the application fee is non-refundable. The $25 application fee will be waived for FIU's active students, alumni, faculty, and staff with proof.

All Paralegal students are required to obtain a Westlaw password to perform the research in their online classes. The price of the password is $195.00, and it is good for one calendar year from date of purchase. You will receive an email containing information to purchase the Westlaw password after being admitted to the program. This will allow for activation prior to commencing your courses. Paralegal students need to learn how to use computer legal research because this is increasingly becoming a necessity in the workplace. With Westlaw access you can ensure that you are off to the best possible start. For further assistance, please click here to contact the Legal Studies Institute.

Register By Mail, Fax, or In-Person
For those of you who wish to apply/register/pay by mail, fax, or in-person, please complete the application and registration forms shown below and submit it with your payment.

Application Form *
Click here to print out an application form.

* The $25 application fee will be waived for FIU's active students, alumni, faculty, and staff with proof.

Registration Form
Click here to print out a registration form.

Please mail application/registration/payment to:
FIU - Legal Studies Institute
Florida International University
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
11200 SW 8 Street
RDB 1003
Miami, Florida 33199

OR send by fax to 305-348-2030

Payment Policy

• All payments must be made in full on or before the Friday prior to the day the semester begins.

• Payments are accepted in the form of either:
  Credit Card, Check Card, Personal Check, Cashier's Check, Money Order, or Bank Wire Transfer (made payable to FIU-LSI) . No Cash will be accepted.

• The $25 Application Fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Refund Policy

A student may request a refund of the Course Fee only as provided below:

• A full Course Fee refund (100%) may be granted for a course if a written request has been submitted to the LSI Registrar via email to: legal@fiu.edu provided such written request is submitted on or before the DROP/ADD date which usually takes place during the second week after classes begin. (See the LSI Academic Calendar for the exact date for your particular program).

• No refund will be granted for a refund request received by the LSI Registrar after the DROP/ADD deadline.

Note: Failure to submit a timely request to the LSI Registrar stipulates your personal financial liability for the course(s).

What Students Need to Know Before Registering

• Tuition Fee: $2,000 per trimester.
  
  
• Westlaw password - $195.00. Will be added to 1st trimester fees and is valid for one year.
  
  
• Students must REGISTER and pay prior to the beginning of EACH trimester.
  
  
• Each trimester consists of four individual courses.
  
  
• Each course is 1 month in duration and must be completed before beginning the next course in the trimester.
  
  
• Students must complete and pass the core courses (Trimester I) before registering for the following trimester.
  
  
• Each trimester primarily focuses on federal procedures and forms enabling students to apply the information on a national level.
  
  
• Students will be expected to have moderate proficiency on a PC, be skilled in running an Internet Browser, and be able to use Microsoft Office.
  
  
• The program begins during the months of January, May and September.
  
  
• The administration of the Legal Studies Institute reserves the right to refund tuition after students register. All refund requests must be received in writing by the ADD/DROP deadline. See Academic Calendar for dates.
  
  

The Administration of the Legal Studies Institute reserves the right to modify, delete, cancel, add or change programs, tuition fees, and faculty as deemed necessary.